Chapter 912



“Mr. Reeves, there’s something I need to tell you, but I’m not sure if I should say it.”

Jake nodded slightly.

“Go ahead.”

Leo cleared his throat.

“Mr. Reeves, it’s pretty obvious that Miss Payne has feelings for you. Your return is solely to get back at Miss Nixon. Yet, I am stunned to find out that Miss Payne actually announced to the public that you are her fiancé. That could cause problems down the line.”

Jake fell silent.

Actually, he’d noticed Lacey’s affections and had turned her down. While Lacey had promised she wouldn’t pursue him and just wanted to work for him, it was clear she had lied. Though Jake sought to remove Lacey from his life, she had made contributions over the years. Plus, she had saved his life. He couldn’t bring himself to dismiss her in such a cruel way.

After a moment of thought, Jake said, “Now that I’m back, I’ll tell everyone Lacey is just a sister figure to me. I’ll even play matchmaker for her.”

Hearing this, Leo finally relaxed. Lacey might have made her contributions, but she wasn’t the right woman to be Jake’s wife. Besides, Jake had no romantic interest in her.

Lacey arrived at the bar a short while later. As she walked toward the private room and surveyed the surroundings, a frown etched on her face. Wasn’t Jake supposed to be occupied? Yet, it seemed he was just here, trying to drown his sulking mood with alcohol. Jake seldom indulged in alcohol. Clearly, he couldn’t let go of Kallie. What had happened during Jake’s meeting with Kallie earlier today? Lacey knew it certainly didn’t bode well for her. She had to do something. If she didn’t, Jake and Kallie would eventually get back together.

Lacey knew she couldn’t stand by any longer. Glancing at the medicine in her hand, she took a steadying breath before opening the door. A strong scent of alcohol permeated the room. Jake wasn’t known to drink much. Even at gatherings, no one ever pressured him into it. But tonight was different. He’d clearly been drinking far more than usual.

With a complex expression, Lacey approached Jake. He sat on the sofa, his eyes closed as if trying to escape the world. When he finally lifted his head, his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. His flushed cheeks gave him an unusual, almost vulnerable look. A soft ache stirred in Lacey’s heart. If she wasn’t mistaken, faint tear stains marked the corners of his eyes. She couldn’t believe this. Was he really crying? Had he shed tears over Kallie?

With a hesitant voice, Lacey asked, “Mr. Reeves, are you feeling down?”

Jake raised his head at the sound of Lacey’s voice, his gaze locking onto hers. Jake’s eyes held an intensity that made Lacey feel exposed. In an instant, he seemed to unravel everything she felt. He saw worry, reluctance, and affection in her gaze. Caught by his penetrating look, Lacey quickly averted her eyes, flustered. But it was too late.

Under usual circumstances, Jake wouldn’t have acknowledged his feelings toward Kallie. Yet now, he held Lacey’s gaze and nodded, his voice steady.

“You’re right. I can’t let go of Kallie. I’ve loved her for years. Even though she’s hurt and let me down, I can’t deny that she still lingers in my mind.”

Lacey felt a sting of bitterness. She asked, struggling to accept his words, “Why? After all this time, can’t you just move on?”

“No,” Jake answered, his tone unwavering. “Even if I live out my entire life and end up on my deathbed, I’ll never forget what I had shared with Kallie.”

His words hit Lacey hard. She took a few steps back, sadness nearly overwhelming her. Jake seemed unfazed by her reaction.

“You might not understand now, but when you fall in love, you’ll understand exactly what I mean.”

.

.

.